Tag: changing hands

In 2009 I jumped at the chance to contribute to Tenth to the Fraser. The site’s mission – to connect New Westminsterites to one another online – was something I could get behind. When the site’s founders moved to Montreal to pursue an opportunity they couldn’t refuse, I decided to keep Tenth going.

Together with Johanna, a talented local graphic artist I’d partnered with on many paying gigs over the years, we launched the print edition of Tenth to the Fraser. We published seven bi-monthly editions along with frequent online-only content. The issues were compact and well-received.

I am still grateful at the generosity of many writers, artists, photographers, editors, and distributors who helped keep it going by writing for free or cheap, and to the subscribers and advertisers who put cash in the bank so we could pay the printing bills. In the end, though, we weren’t able to sustain it. In April 2017, we made the decision to shutter the business-side of stuff and discontinue the print magazine.

For just over a year, Tenth has sat more or less dormant while I worked out what to do with it, and how to make space for it in my life. The longer it has sat, the bigger a mental load it has become. I think Tenth still has value; people still read Tenth online and they still access the social channels. After a lot of thought, I’ve decided it needs a new format and a new volunteer keeper.

You may have seen her online, at the farmers market, or out pedestrian-ing in our fine City. I’m super pumped to be handing the reins over to Carly Fryer for another reimagined Tenth that will reflect where New West is now, and what people want to see from the … I don’t know… institution? that Tenth to the Fraser has been. She could use help, so get in touch if you’re into it.

I’m still around in the community and you might see me pop up on Tenth as a contributor from time to time. If you know me, we’re probably already connected online, but you can find me on Twitter or Instagram if you don’t. Thanks for being a part of this with me. Stick around for the next chapter and please make Carly feel welcome.